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Policy decisions finalized at the March 7, 2001 WCB Panel of Administrators meeting
The following is a summary of the policy decisions finalized by the WCB Panel of Administrators on March 7, 2001. For information about the function and mandate of the Panel, please see Governing Structure.
Amendments to Environmental Tobacco Smoke Regulations
The Panel of Administrators of the Workers' Compensation Board has approved amendments to Environmental Tobacco Smoke regulations to further control workers' exposure to second-hand smoke in hospitality, long-term care and provincial correctional facilities. The revised regulation will come into effect September 10, 2001. The Panel resolution follows comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders through a public hearing process held in June 2000.
The amendments will mean employers in all industries, including the hospitality sector, long term care and provincial correctional facilities, must control workers' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, and they provide reasonable options, such as designated smoking areas or other equally effective means, to protect workers.
Designated smoking areas include safe, outdoor locations and separately ventilated indoor smoking rooms that workers must not enter except in an emergency, where there is a requirement to investigate for illegal activity, or until the smoke has been effectively removed.
For further information on this issue, please contact Scott McCloy at 604 276-5157.
You may also examine the complete resolution.